2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Mercury Monterey
To start off, both 2003 Caterham 7 and 2003 Mercury Monterey were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,194 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercury Monterey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercury Monterey (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 1510 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Mercury Monterey (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercury Monterey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2003 Mercury Monterey has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercury Monterey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2003 Mercury Monterey | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | 7 | Monterey |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3070 mm |
